Exploring organizational and individual career goals, interactions, and outcomes of developmental international assignments

Abstract

AbstractThis study uses the intelligent careers framework to investigate individual and organizational mobility goals. It explores the interactions of individual attitudes and behaviors with organizational approaches to managing mobility. Individual and organizational data were gathered in a global fast‐moving consumer goods firm. The findings showed that individuals wanted to add to each of their three career capital areas through an international assignment (IA). Because the organizational context during and after the IA was not perceived to facilitate the growth of all three ways of knowing, international assignees acted as “career capitalists.” They used extraorganizational mechanisms to acquire career capital. Some actions were regarded as dysfunctional by the organization and led to interventions aimed at career capital management. A range of organizational and individual outcomes are outlined and career capital propositions developed. The article includes the professional implications for international mobility and career capital management. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.